The sub-plots in India-Pakistan matches just keep on increasing by the day. During the Asia Cup 2025 final between the two sides, the captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha were involved in an eventful moment. To be fair, Agha was a silent spectator in this incident that was initiated by Suryakumar.
Suryakumar Yadav appeals for obstruction of the field - the third umpire doesn't agree.#AsiaCupFinal pic.twitter.com/DJdw84tHZW
— Harav (@HarminderK24499) September 28, 2025
What happened?
During the first ball of the 16th over, Agha drove a delivery firmly to extra cover where Suryakumar made a strong half-stop. The batters went for the single and also added a bonus second run as well. Now, the throw from Suryakumar hit Agha on his body as he was making his crease at the striker's end. The Indian captain, though, seemed unhappy and gestured to the umpire for an appeal. It was for obstructing the field and it had to sent upstairs to the third umpire. After taking a few replays, the third umpire was quick to reject Suryakumar's appeal against Agha, and rightly so.
Was it the right decision?
Absolutely, it was the right call. The law states that the batter must not change his direction while running, else he would be declared out 'obstructing the field'. Now, Agha's direction did change a wee bit but it was not deliberate and he just happened to get in between Suryakumar's throw, thereby copping a blow on the body. It was actually a bizarre appeal from the Indian captain, as it never looked out in real time also. Perhaps, it was just mind games being played or just an attempt at a trick that didn't go down well.
